WINTER + SPRING 2021 THE MAGAZINE OF MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
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WINTER + SPRING 2021 THE MAGAZINE OF MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION
Editorial Committee
Sara Adlington
Josie Evenson Improving lives and
Jesse Fulbright
Mandie Reed communities
Adam Sigler
Jason Stutzman
Millie Veltkamp Wherever you are in Montana, MSU Extension is the local connec-
Mat Walter tion to your land-grant university. Our faculty offer programming
Roubie Younkin across the state in person and online. They meet you at your fields
and farms and work together with you in virtual meetings, commu-
Line & Interim Managing Editor nity buildings and town halls to solve problems, share research-based
Sara Adlington information, and strategize for the future. MSU Extension engages
with you to find sensible solutions to complex local challenges. We
Contributing Writers have been your neighbors for over 100 years and continually look for
Sara Adlington ways to improve connections, engagement, and programs to improve
Barbara Andreozzi lives and communities.
Marsha Goetting Explore msuextension.org to find areas of interest and a
Jeff Mosley calendar of upcoming online webinars, and in-person programs
Noelle Orloff and events. MSU Extension is also on facebook at facebook.com/
Dara Palmer msuextension.
Jodi Pauley
Gary Swant
Thank You to Our Reviewers
Marsha Goetting Cody Stone, Executive Director of MSU Extension
Jane Mangold
Ken Nelson
Noelle Orloff
Dara Palmer
Marsha Goetting
Featured Contributor
Marsha A. Goetting is a professor and
the MSU Extension Family Economics
Specialist at Montana State University in Copyright © 2021 by Montana State University.
Bozeman. She has presented over 800 All rights reserved.
workshops reaching over 25,000 Mon- Excerpts from this magazine may be reprinted with permission from the
Managing Editor. Please provide appropriate credit to Montana State
tanans with financial and estate planning University Extension and supply copies of printed materials to the editor.
Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not
information. She has also authored over necessarily reflect the views of the university administration. Montana State
75 MontGuides and bulletins and has University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer
and Provider of Educational Outreach.
received national, regional, and state Common chemical and trade names are used in this publication for clarity
awards for her financial management of the reader. Inclusion of a common chemical or trade name does not
imply endorsement of that particular product or brand of herbicide and
and estate planning programs. exclusion does not imply non-approval.
In this issue...
04 ReImagining Rural program
challenges small towns to shape
their future
06 Winter birds in the Big Sky
10 Diagnosing herbicide injury on
plants
11 Master gardeners annual cleanup at
Whitehall’s Silver Tower Park
12
12 In versus out? Livestock fence laws
15 ATV safety tips
04 18 Ask Steward
19 Tidying up your greenery
22 MSU Extension discusses transfer
on death deeds in new MontGuide
15 06 Have an idea for a story or a question for Ask Steward or our
Master Gardeners? E-mail: ExtensionMagazine@montana.edu,
Phone: 406.994.4602
Front cover photo by Inga Hawbaker. See article on page
12. Back cover graphic courtesy of Brett Schomer. Lives &
Landscapes is published quarterly by Montana State University
Extension. Also available online at msuextension.org. To receive
a free online subscription, or purchase a print subscription, visit:
msuextension.org/magazine.
A new mural in Townsend, which received a $2,000
grant for a beautification project. The mural contest
was organized by Tina Homann, owner of The Lodge
and a participant in Reimagining Rural.
ReImagining
T
wenty-four communities across the state
participated last year in Reimagining Rural,
a Montana State University Extension pro-
Rural program
gram that focuses on providing Montana’s
small towns with opportunities to shape their future.
The program recognizes that Montana’s small towns
challenges small are facing challenges of shifting demographics and
evolving economies, according to Tara Mastel, MSU
towns to shape
Extension’s community development program leader.
“The Reimagining Rural program features speakers
with stories of success in rural communities and the posi-
their future
tive trends in rural demographics to help local leaders see
a path to a vital future for their community,” Mastel said.
The program included talks by rural entrepreneurs,
advocates and experts, broadcast across Montana to small
groups of local volunteers and leaders who gathered
Sara Adlington writes about an MSU Extension program
to listen to new ideas and discuss how to implement
designed to support rural community vitality.
Allison Kosto
them locally.
“The sessions helped show the potential of re-
viving rural Montana,” Mastel said. “As a participant
4 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021
commented, rural America is not dying. It is need to build capacity among local leaders in In addition to MSU Extension and
changing, and much of the talk of the decay rural communities,” Mastel said. “We have the Montana Community Foundation,
of our rural areas is simply wrong.” great resources in Montana, but if there is not partners who contributed to the program
At the conclusion of the program, the included First Interstate Bank Foundation,
Montana Community Foundation, a pro- the Governor’s Office of Economic
gram partner, awarded $32,000 in grants The sessions Development and the Burton K. Wheeler
to the communities to support projects that
were identified or discussed during the series. helped show Center at MSU.
Reimagining Rural will offer a series
The grants will fund a variety of initiatives,
including training for local leaders; local
the potential of of gatherings in the fall of 2021. Interested
communities and community members
arts development; community-sponsored
activities for all ages that are designed to
reviving rural can apply to be a part of the next program.
For application information, dates and
provide inclusion for newcomers in small
towns – including a permanent, covered
Montana locations in 2021, contact your local
MSU Extension agent or Tara Mastel at
location for a farmer’s market; a history trail tara.mastel@montana.edu.
project; tourism promotion of rural areas; capacity at the local level, communities are not
community beautification efforts; interpre- able to take advantage of all the resources that Sara Adlington is an MSU Extension editor.
tive signs; and a community visitor kiosk. exist. The Reimagining Rural program ener-
“The partners in Reimagining Rural came gized local leaders and helped them rethink
together based on common experience for the what is possible for their communities.”
MSU Extension works with Powder River Trails, a
group created to encourage walking and a healthy
community, which benefited from Reimagining
Rural. Community members of all ages enjoy the
Julie Riley
trails and memorial benches.
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 5
Winter birds in the
Big Sky
Gary Swant teaches how to attract birds in winter by providing
a proper habitat
A
s a small acreage landowner, in the arctic are an irruptive species (migrate
and an avid birder, I know into an area in abnormally large numbers)
first hand that winter days and are only recorded in large numbers
can be filled with enjoyment every two to five years, depending on the
watching birds on your own property. I abundance of small rodents — their winter
have found 96 species, with 46 seen during food source in Canada. The northern shrike
winter months, on my land. Montana has is a common non-breeding winter resident
424 bird species. 156 species overwinter that survives on smaller perching birds, mice,
in Montana, while another 44 that don’t shrews and voles.
normally overwinter have been seen during Sparrows are represented by 16 species
winter months. With that said, you can with five nonbreeding winter residents. The
easily attract nearly 50 species of birds in lapland longspur and snow bunting can, at
the winter with a proper habitat. times, be found in large flocks. Common
and hoary redpolls are also an irruptive
BIRDS IN MONTANA DURING species in Montana whereas in our annual
WINTER MONTHS local Christmas Bird Count there were none
There are 36 species of waterfowl, in- recorded in 2000. In 2001, there were 869
cluding five non-breeding winter residents. redpolls recorded. However, again in 2002,
Those winter residents include the greater there were no redpolls recorded.
white-fronted goose, snow goose, tundra All perching birds, or passerines, are
swan, three species of scoter, and the long- song birds. There are nearly 200 song birds
tailed duck. found in Montana, of which 97 have been
There are 13 birds of prey that are win- seen in the winter and 71 are documented
ter residents. All breed here except for the winter residents. Birds have what are called
tundra breeding rough-legged hawk. Most songs and calls. Songs are used to establish
rough-legs you will encounter in Montana and protect territories as well as attract
are females; juveniles and males migrate breeding females. Females often select mates
farther south. by the quality of their songs. In general, song
The flammulated owl is the only quality is an indicator of the male’s stamina
non-winter resident of Montana’s 15 owls. and fertility. Unfortunately, these beautiful
Snowy owls are a winter resident that breed songs are only used in the spring and
6 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021
summer. Calls are used for alarms, and social interactions.
They can be heard year around. Feeding areas can be very
noisy with calls, especially if you have finches, siskins,
and chickadees. Listen for alarm calls when shrikes, owls
or raptors enter your yard or fly overhead.
Even in the winter you can witness some oddities
of birds that have been seen rarely in Montana. This can
be a real treat. For instance, a vermilion flycatcher, a
spectacular red species of southern Arizona, New Mexico,
and Texas was recorded a number of years ago at the
Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. It was also reported that it
became a meal for a northern shrike, another non-breed-
ing winter resident. I’m sure his brilliant vermilion
red color showed like a beacon in our white Montana
winter environment.
INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WINTER
BIRDS
Starting with a good field guide, identify and make
a list of the birds you see. I suggest either the Sibley
Guide to Birds, or the Field Guide to the Birds of North
America. If you record what you see every day, you will
soon see patterns in dates for first arrivals and departures.
You will also learn what birds use your yard and what
they feed on.
Attracting winter birds is about having a proper
habitat, supplemented with bird feeders and water. In
Top: Common order to attract winter birds, you have to provide a
Redpoll - A non- natural setting with shelter, food, and water. Planting
breeding winter native trees and shrubs that survive Montana’s harsh
irruptive species. winters is best. Select species that provide cover as well as
Bottom: Rough- food such as black hawthorn, chokecherry, serviceberry,
legged Hawk on dogwood, juniper, golden current, Oregon grape, and
Top: Chuck Carlson; Bottom: Gary Swant; Background: Katie Hatlelid
fence post near a silver buffaloberry. All of these shrubs provide cover
rib-cage placed in and a winter berry source. A brush pile, in addition to
a field. common juniper, provides cover and roost areas. I have
watched sharp-shinned hawks and merlin’s sitting on
a brush pile trying to get an American tree sparrow or
house sparrows buried safely in the pile.
To supplement the plants on your property, I sug-
gest constructing a 12’ x 12’ L-shaped fence. This will
help shield the small bird garden. Because the winters are
harsh in our valley which sits at 4,600 feet in elevation,
this natural wood fence produces a microclimate that
protects plants from north winds and maximizes the
southern sun. Trees and shrubs have flourished with this
extra protection.
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 7
8 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021
You also need to add some bird feeders. spruce, pine trees of several varieties, choke-
We usually provide black sunflower and cherry and caragana windrows and hedges.
thistle seed and avoid millet or millet/sun- Leaving some pasture grass that hasn’t been
flower mixes, as they tend to attract mostly grazed or mowed will increase the opportu-
house sparrows, doves and pigeons. We use nity for cover for pheasants, partridge, and
wire-screened feeders that allow finches, native sparrows. Do not burn or haul away
chickadees and other small perching birds cleared brush or tree limbs. Instead, make
a large brush pile for birds in a backfield
for additional cover and roosting spots. If
Attracting you do mow or graze fields, be generous
with the amount of grass you leave along
winter birds is fences. Placing deer and elk rib cages in
your backfield will provide food for raptors.
about having a By incorporating some of these things, you
can have wonderful views of even bald and
proper habitat, golden eagles from your window.
If you have a pond or creek, protect
supplemented the riparian zone by eliminating grazing
near those areas. Most willow species will
with bird respond with rapid growth along waterways
feeders and if they are not grazed. Healthy riparian zones
provide nesting habitat, food, and shelter.
water Consider making narrow rows of grain near
ponds to attract waterfowl. A row the width
of a garden tiller and 30 feet long, planted
with grain, will add many additional species
access, but discourage large birds such as to your land.
blackbirds. Ground feeders such as doves If you provide good habitat, supple-
and sparrows will still get seed, which mented with sunflower and thistle seed, and
falls out of the feeders to the ground. We water when necessary, birds will come. Many
also incorporate platform feeders close folks talk of winter blues. I can’t think of a
to the ground to attract several species of better way to rid the blues than watching
native sparrows. winter birds interacting with each other
Seed feeders are placed where the birds and you.
can fly from protective cover to feeders and
back to cover again. Suet blocks are another Gary Swant was a biology and field
option for feeding birds in winter and can ecology teacher for 25 years in the Upper
attract woodpeckers, flickers and chickadees. Clark Fork River drainage before starting
In the winter, as in the summer, water GoBirdMontana (www.gobirdmontana.org)
is a necessity for birds. However, you don’t in 2009. This story originally appeared in Big
want to heat the water in the winter to keep Sky Small Acres magazine, Winter 2009.
it from freezing – the birds will avoid it.
Fresh daily water will remain unfrozen for
several hours, especially if placed in dark
shallow pans that collect solar radiation,
iStock, rotofrank
even in the coldest weather.
Beyond our bird garden, we provide
nesting and cover habitat with Engelmann
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 9
• What are the plant’s symptoms?
• What is the spatial pattern of symp-
toms in the field or landscape?
• Can symptoms be explained by some-
thing other than herbicide?
Diagnosing
• What is the Mode of Action of the
herbicide suspected to be causing
symptoms, and do symptoms match
herbicide injury
the suspected Mode of Action?
Herbicides affect plants in different
on plants
ways. Distinguishing whether injury occurs
on older leaves or newer leaves is often nec-
essary. Herbicide injury is often categorized
by mode of action, or the general way that
an active ingredient kills a plant. Because
symptoms of herbicides within a mode of
action are often similar, it is a useful way
to classify symptoms and identify what is
causing injury. In addition, distinguishing
Noelle Orloff explains how herbicides can accidentally injure desired
whether injury occurs on older leaves or
plants and how to spot herbicide injury. newer leaves is often necessary. Common
D
causes of non-target herbicide injury include
iagnosing injury to plants Diagnostic Lab increased 90% between herbicide drift and herbicide carryover; oper-
from herbicides can be dif- 2013 and 2018, from 60 to 115 samples ator error and faulty application equipment;
ficult. MSU Extension has annually. The new guide is part of a response and environmental and plant factors.
released a new guide with to help MSU Extension agents and others To aid in researching plant health issues,
photos and descriptions of plant symptoms diagnose herbicide injury issues. Orloff said the new guide, Diagnosing Non-Target
to aid in assessing and identifying potential diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms Herbicide Injury on Plants, is available as
non-target herbicide injury. Knowing when may look like those caused by insects, dis- a downloadable PDF at store.msuextension.
and what was applied is vital for diagnosing ease or weather conditions. The guide may org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/
herbicide injury. In addition, knowing also be helpful to pesticide applicators to EB0232.pdf and as an HTML website at
weather conditions, soil type and soil pH, understand and prevent common causes of msuextension.org/pubs/herbicideinjuryguide/
and other environmental factors that affect non-target herbicide injury. index.html.
herbicide performance can be helpful. Determining if non-target herbicide The guide is written by Orloff; Jane
“While herbicides are useful tools for injury is the cause of a plant health issue Mangold, MSU Extension invasive plant
managing weeds, sometimes they can also involves assessing multiple types of evidence. specialist; and Tim Seipel, MSU Extension
injure desired plants,” said Noelle Orloff, An investigator sees the end result of an issue cropland weed specialist. Printed guides are
Associate Specialist and plant identification and works backward to try to determine the funded by a grant from USDA-NIFA. In
diagnostician in the Schutter Diagnostic cause. Diagnosing herbicide injury requires addition to the online versions of the guide,
Lab. “This injury is referred to as non-target accurately describing symptoms and finding a free printed copy of the spiral-bound
injury, or damage to plants other than the as much information about site history as booklet (EB0232) can be ordered from the
target weeds intended to be controlled by an possible. In some cases, the cause of the MSU Extension Distribution Center by
herbicide application.” problem may be very straightforward, and in visiting store.msuextension.org or calling
Orloff said non-target herbicide injury other cases more investigation, research, and 406-994-3273. A nominal shipping charge
is a continuing concern in Montana. For critical thinking is needed. There are four will be applied.
Tim Seipel
example, plant samples assessed for herbi- important questions to ask when diagnosing
cide injury symptoms by MSU’s Schutter herbicide injury.
10 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021From left: Glenna Waltee, Mary Ann Carey, Marilyn
Craft, Barb Lien, Maureen Dawson, Kathy Hatch
Not pictured: Janet Chapman
Master gardeners annual cleanup at
Whitehall’s Silver Tower Park
M
e m b e r s o f Mo n t a n a The Silver Tower Park is an excellent example States of America. The park also features a
Master Gardeners and of the Whitehall Garden Club’s dedication veteran’s memorial wall which was designed
the Whitehall Garden to the beautification of public spaces in and built by the local veteran’s group and
Club grabbed their gloves, the community.” is backed by the flags of the Armed Forces.
rakes, clippers, shovels, black bags and en- The Silver Tower Park includes a butter- Several Whitehall Garden Club mem-
thusiasm to work on the Whitehall Silver fly garden and a native plant garden which bers have participated in the Level One
Tower Park. The annual clean-up event the Whitehall Garden Club was instru- Master Gardener course. After the course
includes pulling weeds, trimming shrubs mental in establishing. They also played an concluded, they jumped at the chance to
Photo: Courtesy of Dara Palmer; Background: Bigstock
and trees, removing debris, and tidying up important role in installing the park’s Blue participate in volunteer opportunities. A
the plant beds. Star Memorial Marker along with a Gold few of these included co-presenting at a
Kaleena Miller, MSU Extension Star Memorial By-Way Marker, which is the 4-H Gardening Workshop and putting their
Madison-Jefferson County Extension first to be installed in Montana. The Blue newly acquired pruning skills to work while
agent said, “When I started my position Star Markers were originally begun to honor thinning boulevard trees in the community.
as the Extension agent, I was immediately World War II veterans, but now honor all Master Gardeners and Club members can
welcomed by the Whitehall Garden Club. who have served, are currently serving or will often be found tending to some aspect of
During my first week, I attended one of their serve in any way in the Armed Forces of the Silver Tower Park, engaging community
monthly meetings and began exploring col- United States. The Gold Star Memorial By- members in their work, and when the sea-
laborative opportunities as well as bringing Way Markers are a tribute to families who son arrives, they can be found handing out
educational programming to their members. have lost a member defending the United apples and pears from the park fruit trees.
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 11In versus out? U
nderstanding the legal rights and respon-
sibilities of land ownership is an import-
ant part of rural land stewardship in
Livestock
Montana. Weed control laws and water
rights, for example, are two common topics where lack
of understanding can lead to unnecessary conflicts with
neighbors. Livestock fencing laws are another potential
fence laws
source of misunderstanding.
Every rural Montana landowner should know
whether they are responsible for fencing their land to
keep their own livestock within the confines of their
property, or whether they are responsible for fencing
Jeff Mosley explains whether you need a livestock fence, who
their land when they want to prevent other people’s
is responsible for maintenance, and the origins of Montana livestock from roaming onto their property. In other
livestock fence laws. words, “Do I need to ‘fence in’ my livestock, or do I
need to ‘fence out’ other people’s livestock?” The answer
depends on whether the land is legally classified as “open
range” or “closed range.”
Jane Wolery
On “open range” the property owner is responsi-
ble for fencing neighboring livestock out. On “closed
12 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021range,” the livestock owner is responsible for shelter within their under-construction Ranchers should also keep apprised of new
fencing livestock in. Contact the Montana dream house, or to discover livestock rub- construction in the area and alert neighbors
Department of Livestock to find out the bing against unprotected water or propane when roaming livestock may be near the
range designation in your area. Also be pipes and electrical outlet boxes. Such construction site.
sure to review any subdivision covenants Most of Montana is classified as open
that may apply to your property or your range, but closed range exists within all
neighbors. For example, rural subdivision Most of incorporated cities and towns. Closed range
covenants often require lot owners to confine
their livestock within their lot boundaries. Montana is also exists within unincorporated, rural areas
designated as “herd districts.” Montana
However, if the rural subdivision is adjoined
by open range, it is the responsibility of the
classified as fence law allows county commissioners to
create herd districts when a majority of land
subdivision lot owner to fence their property
boundary if they don’t want livestock from
open range ownership in the proposed district petitions
the county commissioners in favor of the
the open range area roaming onto their lot. new designation.
Construction of a new home within conflicts can be avoided while a home is Within open range, one exception to
open range, or in a subdivision adjoined by being built by inquiring with neighboring fencing responsibility occurs with federal
open range, is a potential source of conflict ranchers about the timing of livestock graz- land boundaries. Livestock owners are re-
among rural residents. Most homeowners ing in the area and by installing permanent sponsible to prevent livestock from illegally
would be horrified to find livestock seeking or temporary fences during construction. trespassing onto federal land, including lands
Tracy Mosley
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 13administered by the U.S. Forest Service and at the midpoint of the shared boundary and From the beginning, the federal govern-
Bureau of Land Management. Therefore, if looking toward your neighbor’s property. ment allowed its citizens to roam their livestock
your rural property adjoins federal land, and You maintain the half that is to your right. freely on the public domain. This began in the
you do not have a federal livestock grazing 1840s with Jesuit missionaries in the Bitterroot
permit or lease, you must fence the bound- ORIGIN OF MONTANA’S OPEN Valley and in 1850 when Richard Grant and
ary or otherwise prevent your livestock from RANGE FENCE LAW his sons, Johnny and James, drove cattle
roaming onto federal land. To understand the reasons behind northward from the Oregon Trail into the
Most landowners in open range are not Montana fence laws, it is necessary to Beaverhead Valley of southwestern Montana.
compelled by law to exclude livestock from consider how the land came to be owned The range livestock industry continued to ex-
their property. In fact, some landowners by the United States and how it came to be pand during the next 36 years, booming in the
purposely do not fence out livestock from occupied by livestock. The area encompassed 1880s, and relying almost exclusively on the
some or all of their property so that livestock unfenced public domain for year-round graz-
grazing can reduce the threat of wildfire and ing. Everything changed when severe weather
so that fences do not impede wildlife travel Most landowners during the “Hard Winter of 1886–1887”
or detract from aesthetics. Fencing along caused tremendous numbers of livestock to die.
railroads, however, is required within open in open range are This disaster taught large numbers of stockmen
range. Montana law requires railroads to the value of harvesting hay for winter feed,
build and maintain fences along tracks to not compelled which subsequently spawned the need to
keep livestock out, and the railroad must
pay fair market value for any livestock that by law to exclude use fencing to exclude free-roaming livestock
from hayfields so that hay could be grown and
get through the fence and are hurt or killed
by trains. Where highways pass through
livestock harvested. The need also arose to decide whose
responsibility it was to build and maintain new
open range, the Montana Department of fences that separated hayfields from the open
Transportation has the option to construct by present-day Montana became part of range of public domain.
fences along the highway rights of way the United States via wars, treaties, and In 1887, two years before statehood,
where livestock may present a road hazard. purchases. The Louisiana Purchase from the Montana Territorial Legislature passed
Finally, who owns and who maintains France in 1803 provided the land east of the the law declaring that the stockman who
the boundary fence between you and a Continental Divide, and a treaty with Great separated the hayfield from the public
neighbor? If the fence is located on the Britain, the Oregon Compromise in 1846, domain would have the responsibility of
property boundary, ownership and mainte- provided the land west of the Continental fencing to exclude all free-roaming livestock.
nance is shared equally. Each landowner is Divide. Subsequent wars, treaties, and pur- Twelve years later, when large numbers of
responsible for maintaining one half of the chases from Native American Indian tribes homesteaders began entering Montana and
boundary fence. The portion designated for further secured the land into the control of separating their farm fields from the public
you to maintain is determined by standing the United States government. domain, the fencing law was already clearly
established. Homestead farmers not wanting
free-roaming livestock to access their crop
fields had the same responsibility to fence
out the livestock as did the stockmen
wishing to fence out the livestock from their
hayfields. The same approach continues
today, that landowners wishing to separate
their land from open range are responsible for
constructing and maintaining the fence.
Jeff Mosley is the MSU Extension Range
Rachel Endecott
Management Specialist. This story
originally appeared in Big Sky Small Acres
Magazine, Winter 2011.
14 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021ATV safety tips
I
f you are a small acreage landowner, rancher, or
ATV
an outdoor enthusiast, you may have invested in
an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).
In addition to recreational use, ATVs also
safety tips
serve agriculture, business, commercial industry, and
nearly 700 governmental and law enforcement agencies
for on-the-job transportation and other uses. While they
are extremely handy for carrying a weed sprayer or just
a fun machine to use while recreating, there are several
Photo: Ken Nelson; Background: Bigstock
safety factors to think about before operating an ATV.
Jodi Pauley desribes safety gear and safe handling for
The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® (ASI), a
all-terrain vehicles. not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute
of America® (SVIA), was formed in 1988 to implement
an expanded national program of ATV safety education
and awareness. ASI’s primary goal is to promote the safe
and responsible use of ATVs, thereby reducing accidents
and injuries that may result from improper ATV oper-
ation by the rider.
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 15The ATV Safety Institute’s Golden
Rules are:
• Always wear a U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT)-compliant hel-
met, goggles, long sleeves, long pants,
over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
• Never ride on paved roads except to
cross, where it can be done safely and
is permitted by law.
• Never ride under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
• Never carry a passenger on a single-rid-
er ATV, and no more than one passen-
ger on an ATV specifically designed for
two people.
• Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.
• Supervise riders younger than 16;
ATVs are not toys.
• Ride only on designated trails and at
a safe speed.
The single most important piece of
protective gear you can wear on an ATV
is a helmet to protect from a severe head
injury in the event of an accident. When
purchasing a helmet, look for stickers inside
or outside of the helmet confirming com-
pliance with standards from the DOT and/
or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Helmets
must fit properly whether fitting a child or
an adult, and plan to replace a helmet if
it has been in an accident or if it has been
dropped and potentially damaged. Replace
the helmet every few years as protective qual-
ities will deteriorate over time. A face shield
or goggles will protect eyes from injury;
sunglasses are not enough protection. Gloves
help prevent hands from getting sore, tired,
or cold and offer protection in the event of
a crash. The minimum protective footwear
is a pair of strong, over-the-ankle boots with
low heels to help prevent feet from slipping
off footrests. A long-sleeved shirt and long
pants are minimum requirements for rider
protection, as well.
Keep in mind that on an ATV, you can
ride farther in an hour than you can walk
in a day. Therefore, a pre-ride inspection of
16 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021an ATVs mechanical condition is important If recreating with an ATV, think about
to minimize the chance of injury or being where you are riding, the terrain, and the
stranded, as well as to ensure proper main- rider’s capabilities. If there are several riders,
tenance. Always check tires and wheels for can everyone in the group handle the terrain
proper air pressure; controls and cables, and the conditions, and does everyone have
such as brakes, lights and other electrical the proper sized ATV? It is important to
parts; oil and fuel; and the chain and drive consider surface composition, other trail
shaft chassis. users, wildlife, stationary objects, and other
Proper posture is important when hazards. ATV riding is an activity requiring
operating an ATV. Always keep both hands the interaction of three things: personal
on the handlebars and both feet on footrests. ability, ATV capabilities, and environmental
or terrain conditions.
ASI has developed a hands-on, half-
A smaller day ATV RiderCourse that is conducted by
licensed ASI instructors, as well as e-Courses,
machine may which offer students an opportunity to
increase safety knowledge, understand
be more all-terrain vehicles and practice safe riding
strategies. Information on courses can be
practical for found at www.atvsafety.org. Remember,
smaller adult ATVs can be a very useful tool on a ranch
or small acreage or fun for a day in the
riders outdoors, but they need to be treated with
respect. Having the proper protective gear,
riding ability, and proper machine for your
ability and the task at hand can make all the
ATVs are rider-active; to enhance the perfor- difference in how well and how safely you
mance capabilities of the ATV you must shift and your ATV perform.
your body weight. This is especially true in For additional information on ATV
maneuvers such as turning, negotiating hills, safety, please visit the MSU Extension
and crossing obstacles. Farm and Ranch ATV Safety webpage
When purchasing an ATV, think about (www.safeatv.org).
who is going to be riding it the most and
what kind of job(s) it will perform. Bigger Jodi Pauley is a former Powell County MSU
and faster are not always better. A smaller Extension agent.
machine may be more practical for smaller
adult riders and may be easier to move by
hand if it becomes stuck or flips over. Also
think about the job it will perform and
where it might take place. For example, if
spraying weeds on hilly terrain, what sized
machine can handle 150 gallons of spray
on the back? If using your ATV for fencing,
think about what kind of materials will be
hauled and how heavy those objects may be.
Meghan Phillippi
Also remember, if anyone under 16 is using
an ATV, by law, they must have the right
sized machine for their age.
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 17Ask Steward:
I struggled this year with identifying plants on my property that I believe
are weeds, and want to recognize them as they sprout. Where can I find
resources for weed identification?
–Weed Crazy
Dear Weed Crazy,
There are several resources available to help you WEBSITES
identify the weeds on your property, including books, MSU Extension Invasive Plants
websites, local reference guides, and local personnel. http://msuinvasiveplants.org/noxioussub.html
Below is a list of helpful resources.
Montana Weed Control Association
BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS https://www.mtweed.org/weeds/weed-id/
Montana’s Noxious Weeds (EB0159)
https://store.msuextension.org/publications/ Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign
AgandNaturalResources/EB0159.pdf https://weedawareness.org/
Published by Montana State University Extension,
available for purchase at the Montana State University In addition to the resources above, county weed dis-
Extension store or at your local Extension office, and tricts and Extension offices often publish county-specific
online as a PDF or flipbook. guides to weed identification. For more help with weed
identification, visit your local weed district or Extension
Weed Seedling Identification Guide (EB0215) office with a fresh plant sample or good digital photos, or
https://store.msuextension.org/Products/Weed- call your local Extension agent to do a property site visit
Seedling-Identification-Guide-for-Montana-and-the- if you have multiple weeds to identify.
Northern-Great-Plains-EB0215__EB0215.aspx
Published by Montana State University Extension,
available for purchase at the Montana State University
Extension store or at your local Extension office. The If you have a question
168-page guide covers 75 plants species, including 60 for Ask Steward, please
broadleaf and 16 grass species.
email it to:
MSU Extension Store extensionmagazine@
https://store.msuextension.org/ montana.edu
Bigstock
Search ‘weed identification’ to find publications for
identifying and managing more than 40 weed species.
18 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021• First remove dead or diseased branches
and any branch stubs.
• Remove branches that rub on others
which can cause branch wounds.
• Look at the shape of the tree and eval-
uate if a good leader branch is growing
through the center of the entire tree.
• All branches should angle off the lead-
Tidying up your er, forming a strong union. Branches
forming a narrow v-shape at the
trunk are weaker than those forming
greenery a wider-angle crotch. Larger pruning
cuts should follow a three-cut rule to
protect branches from tearing below
the cut. The idea is to reduce the limb
length before making the final cut.
• Make a first cut on the underside of the
branch about 18 inches above where
the final cut will be. Cut 1/3 of the way
through the branch.
• Make a second cut about an inch
above the first cut on top of the branch
Barbara Andreozzi explains how and when to prune deciduous and
until the branch breaks free. The first
evergreen trees. undercut will prevent the branch from
tearing down through the branch collar.
W
• Once the larger portion of the branch
inter, when trees are is removed, make a third and final cut
dormant, is the best
time to prune, espe-
Always just above the branch collar (remember
not to leave a stub).
cially deciduous trees.
A tree is dormant from the time their leaves
remember you • Disinfect pruning tools with alcohol
between each cut to avoid spreading
drop until buds break in the spring. During are trying to disease.
this dormant period in Montana, few insects
or diseases threaten to infect pruning cuts. develop a strong For trees that ‘bleed’ or have free-flow-
Late winter pruning, just before spring, ing sap – maples and birch trees – it is better
keeps fresh cuts exposed to the elements tree structure to prune in late spring or early summer.
for only a short time. After the late winter
period, a tree puts out new growth and seals when pruning Also, early spring blooming trees and shrubs
– lilac and chokecherry – set flower buds in
the pruned cuts. Another advantage to late the summer for the following year. These
winter pruning is the ease of seeing the early bloomers should only be pruned just
woody structure without leaves obstructing tree structure when pruning. It is critical to after they have bloomed to avoid cutting off
the view. cut close to the branch collar but not into next year’s flower buds.
Most deciduous trees benefit from win- the branch collar (at the base of the branch),
ter pruning to get rid of deadwood, poorly or leave a stub. Making the proper cut and WINTER PRUNING OF
placed branches that may rub against others leaving the branch collar allows the cut to EVERGREENS
MSU Extension
or branches that interfere with pedestrians seal, which will protect tissue from decay. Most evergreens require little pruning.
ability to walk safely under the tree. Always Evaluate a tree and plan each pruning To shape evergreens, keep the following
remember you are trying to develop a strong cut carefully. in mind.
MSUEXTENSION.ORG / WINTER + SPRING 2021 / 19for cuts ½ inch diameter and smaller. Lopping shears
Spruce, Douglas fir and other fir trees have lateral provide greater leverage which is needed on branch cuts
or side branches that will sprout if the tips are removed. from ½ inch to about 1 ½ inches diameter. Hand saws
Late winter is a perfect time to prune, before new growth or pruning saws are best on branch cuts over 1 inch
begins in the spring. diameter. Pole saws are handy to extend the reach to
Pines are a little more particular. Pine trees put higher branches. Be careful to achieve clean cuts that will
on a single growth at the branch tips and do not have not allow water snow to linger, causing mold and decay.
lateral or side buds. If pines are pruned in late winter or
early spring before the pine puts on new growth, you ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
will eventually be left with dead stubs, making the pine Many local MSU Extension offices offer free tree
very unsightly. Pines should only be pruned in spring pruning workshops. There is also a free MontGuide
after the flush of new growth and before needles have publication called Pruning Fruit Trees in Montana,
fully matured. Only prune approximately half of this Left: Narrow angle which illustrates branch growth and the methods of
year’s new growth, also known as the candle of the pine, crotches of less pruning. Order the guide through your local MSU
to encourage density. Don’t prune farther back than the than 40 degrees Extension office, download online at (https://store.
current year’s growth unless the plan is to completely are weak and msuextension.org/Products/Pruning-Fruit-Trees-in-
remove the branch. subject to breaking. Montana-MT199215AG__MT199215AG.aspx), or call
Right: It is critical MSU Extension Publications at (406) 994-3273.
TOOLS to cut close to the
Tree pruning requires the right tools for cuts. A branch collar but Barbara Andreozzi is a former MSU Extension Agent in
good pair of pruning shears may be all that is needed not into it. Deer Lodge County.
Barbara Andreozzi
20 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021Featured photo: Sunset frames the Highwood Mountains in Judith Basin County. Taken by Katie Hatlelid.
passes to the daughter under the terms of the
TODD. Goetting said if the parent wanted
the property to pass to the son, the parent
would need to revoke the TODD or record
MSU Extension
a new one.
“A TODD is a contract — like pay-
able on death beneficiary designations on
discusses transfer
financial accounts and transfer on death
registrations on stocks, bonds and mutual
funds,” Goetting added.
on death deeds in
Whether a TODD, will or trust is best
depends on an individual’s circumstances.
“Some families may find all three estate
new MontGuide
planning tools would best meet their estate
planning goals,” Wedum said. “Discuss
your goals with an attorney to assure you
are using the appropriate legal tools for your
circumstances. No two families are alike.”
More information on TODDs can be
found in the new MontGuide from MSU
Extension at https://store.msuextension.org/
Sara Adlington reports on a new MontGuide which describes how
publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/
Montanans can leave property to loved ones without going MT202010HR.pdf.
through probate.
A
MORE NEW MONTGUIDES FROM
ccording to a newly pub- home as collateral for a loan,” said Goetting. MSU EXTENSION
lished MontGuide by MSU Montanans can record a TODD with MSU Extension specialists and agents
Extension, individuals can the clerk and recorder in the county where publish information gathered during research
leave their Montana real a person’s property is located. All TODDs and outreach work that is summarized in fact-
property to a designated beneficiary with a must include the mailing address of the sheets for all Montanans, including agriculture
transfer on death deed, or TODD, however designated beneficiary. producers, home gardeners, families, landown-
the deed is only effective upon their death. A Wendy Wedum, MSU Extension ers and other groups. In the winter of 2020, six
TODD allows Montanans to leave real prop- Pondera County agent, added that the deed new MontGuides were published that illustrate
erty to loved ones without going through a must have a complete legal description of the variety of topics MSU Extension works on
probate process. the Montana property that will transfer after to provide valuable, unbiased information
Since Oct. 1, 2019, Montana residents death, not the description appearing on the to help improve lives. Find these and many
have been able to file a TODD on real property tax bill sent by the county treasurer. more resources online at msuextension.org/
property, according to Marsha Goetting, If an owner does not have a deed with this store, where they can be downloaded for free
Extension family economics specialist. Prior description, contact the clerk and recorder’s or printed copies can be ordered.
to that date, a beneficiary deed was used for office where the property is located.
this purpose. Beneficiary deeds filed prior to After a TODD has been signed and Growing Cold-Hardy Berries and Small
this date are still effective upon death. recorded, it cannot be revoked by a provision Fruits in Montana
“Designated beneficiaries may be your in a person’s will, Goetting and Wedum said. https://store.msuextension.org/Products/
spouse, children, relatives, friends, or non- For example, if a parent records a TODD Growing-Cold-Hardy-Berries-and-Small-
profit or charitable organizations. A designat- naming a daughter as the designated ben- Fruits-in-Montana-MT202101AG__
ed beneficiary has absolutely no ownership eficiary of real property in Gallatin County MT202101AG.aspx
Bigstock
rights in your Montana real property until and later writes a will that leaves that same This 8-page MontGuide highlights
you die. Your beneficiaries cannot use your property to their son, the real property currants, gooseberries, dwarf sour cherries,
22 / LIVES & LANDSCAPES / WINTER + SPRING 2021aronia, and haskaps (or honeyberries), which are hardy
fruits that can be grown almost anywhere in Montana.
Montana State
Animal Unit Month (AUM) Lease Rates
University
https://store.msuextension.org/Products/Animal-
Unit-Month-(AUM)-Lease-Rates-MT202103AG__
Extension Store
MT202103AG.aspx
This 2-page MontGuide is for livestock producers
and landowners alike, who are frequently interested in
simple ways to determine rental rates for grazing lands,
including rangelands, forest lands, and dryland and
irrigated seeded pastures. This document provides an
overview and examples of how to compute AUM rental
rates for Montana grazing lands.
Stigma Free Addictions Terminology for
Montanans
https://store.msuextension.org/Products/Stigma-
Free-Addictions-Terminology-for-Montanans-
MT202013HR__MT202013HR.aspx
This 4-page MontGuide addresses terms used
surrounding addiction, which is an umbrella term for
both substance use (e.g., alcohol and other drugs) and
behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling or sex addiction).
It gives an overview of substance use in Montana and
identifies language that can cause stigmas toward people
with substance use issues.
Quitclaim Deeds in Montana
https://store.msuextension.org/Products/Quitclaim-
Deeds-in-Montana-MT202102HR__MT202102HR.
aspx
This 4-page Montguide explains Quitclaim Deeds,
including what they are, when they are used, what the
risks are, and what some of the unintended tax conse- Your one-stop shop for
quences might be.
MontGuides, publications,
Fire-Resistant Landscaping Considerations for merchandise, and more...
Montana’s Wildland Urban Interface
https://store.msuextension.org/Products/
Fire-Resistant-Landscaping-Considerations-for- store.msuextension.org
Montana%e2%80%99s-Wildland-Urban-Interface-
(WUI)-MT202104AG__MT202104AG.aspx
Bigstock, MSU Extension
This 4-page MontGuide describes the Wildland
Urban Interface and how many plants have developed
fire-resilient adaptations, and how to create fire-resistant
landscapes, which is an important component in reducing
wildfire risk.Presort Standard
U.S. Postage
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P.O. Box 172040 Bozeman, MT 59715
Bozeman, MT 59717-2040
MSU Extension
@msuextension
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Enjoy Lives & Landscapes online and order your print subscription
from msuextension.org or by calling (406) 994-3273. Email us msuextension
at extensionmagazine@montana.edu.
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